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2010 Assessment: ODA’s main recommendations for the Natural Fibre Custer (do not show this slide here – these are conclusions given at the end) 1.To separate the ‘research’ tasks from the ‘business development tasks’ and to make new business development, leading to jobs, the focus, supported by research. 2.To appoint a Cluster co-ordinator to act as a “champion” who could help the working groups in the different areas to find a practical way forward in each case. 3.To redefine the role of the steering committee so that it will oversee progress and intervene when progress is not made according to plans, but leave the implementation details to the working groups (which will each include the private sector). 4.To learn lessons from the last 2 and more years – why the NNIP has been successful in the Pineapple sector, and how the other sectors can learn from its example.

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ODA’s Brief – March – June 2010 Came from the Cacadu District Municipality Was to undertake a rapid assessment of the Cacadu Fibre Innovation Hub – Review the state of current projects linked to the proposed hub. – Present recommendations for the next phase of the project. – Build upon the considerable work already done on the fibre innovation hub concept. March – June 2010

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CSIR / CDM Contract strengths 1.Provided space for research to ‘find out the way’ – emphasis on the need for innovation 2.Gave a clear leadership role to the CSIR – a recognised, expert institution. 3.Was inclusive – recognised the need for role players beyond the CDM and the need for partnerships.

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CSIR / CDM Contract weaknesses 1.Had a research, not a business emphasis; commercial considerations secondary. 2.CSIR was “both player and referee” 3.PSC comprised busy people with other work commitments

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Contract Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths 1.Provided space for research to ‘find out the way’ – emphasis on the need for innovation 2.Gave a clear leadership role to the CSIR – a recognised, expert institution. 3.Was inclusive – recognised the need for role players beyond the CDM and the need for partnerships. Weaknesses 1.Had a research, not a business emphasis; commercial considerations secondary. 2.CSIR was “both player and referee” 3.PSC comprised busy people with other work commitments

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Initial Conclusions Researchers had not been “lucky”. Several setbacks, beyond the control of the project Very few new jobs Agave Distillers closed (core of Agave complex) Pineapples re-directed away from textiles Misunderstandings on mohair delayed integration with earlier LM initiatives BUT – one outstanding example: Pineapples / NNIP Strongly directed strategy, well-supported by government (ECDC) Production links from farmers to factory – (inc black farmers) Innovative research leading to innovative business plans Lesson: Need to use the whole resource – no waste, process residues.

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Workshop CSIR said the report was too bleak – the potential is still there for fibres to play a catalytic role in the economies of the Eastern Cape There is a need for a fibre hub “entity” to be formed – but this needs a ‘champion’, a person with enthusiasm and inspiration to co-ordinate and drive activities. Workshop pointed to the need for projects to be driven by commercial viability, supported by research ( need for a revised structure). Don’t focus only on ‘fibre’ but on the full use of the whole natural resource.

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Recommendations taken forwards 1.To separate the ‘research’ tasks from the ‘business development tasks’ and to make new business development, leading to jobs, the focus, supported by research. 2.To appoint a Cluster co-ordinator to act as a “champion” who could help the working groups in the different areas to find a practical way forward in each case. 3.To redefine the role of the steering committee so that it will oversee progress and intervene when progress is not made according to plans, but leave the implementation details to the working groups (which will each include the private sector). 4.To learn lessons from the last 2 and more years – why the NNIP has been successful in the Pineapple sector, and how the other sectors can learn from its example.